From Tea Stall to Business Tycoon: The Story of Narayana Murthy

Success doesn’t always start with big opportunities—it often begins with small acts of courage. This is the story of Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, who built one of the world’s largest IT companies starting from nothing but a dream, grit, and a belief in doing the right thing.




The Humble Beginning

Born in 1946 in a middle-class Brahmin family in Karnataka, India, Murthy wasn’t born into wealth or privilege. His father was a schoolteacher. Growing up, money was tight, but values were strong. What stood out most about Murthy as a child was his love for learning. He often borrowed books, studied under streetlights, and dreamed bigger than his circumstances allowed.

When I was a teenager, I remember reading about Murthy in a local magazine. His journey stood out to me because, like many of us, he didn’t have a head start. He relied purely on effort and focus—something I found deeply motivating, especially during the time I was trying to build something of my own with no outside support.




An Eye-Opening Experience

Murthy studied electrical engineering and later pursued a master’s degree at the prestigious IIT. After graduation, he worked in Paris, where a train journey changed his life forever.

On a trip to Bulgaria, Murthy encountered a situation that shook him: he was wrongfully detained and locked in a small room for over 72 hours by Eastern European guards. He had no food, no water, and no explanation. That experience left him with a deep hatred for communism—and a stronger appreciation for freedom and fairness.

He returned to India, determined to make an impact—through capitalism, but the kind that helped people.




The Start of Infosys

In 1981, with ₹10,000 borrowed from his wife, Sudha Murthy (who is herself a remarkable woman), Murthy started Infosys with six of his friends in a tiny apartment. They didn’t have much—no laptops, no internet, not even a proper office space. What they did have was vision.

They believed India could become a global technology hub. This idea was almost laughable at the time—India was known for agriculture, not tech. But Murthy and his team worked tirelessly, coding late into the night, knocking on doors, trying to convince clients abroad to take a chance on Indian talent.




The Turning Point

It took years before Infosys made a profit. There were moments when the team wanted to give up. Salaries were delayed, clients backed out, and family pressure increased. But Murthy never lost faith.

He believed in building a company with integrity—something rare in the early days of Indian business. He introduced transparency, shared profits with employees, and kept his promises to clients. That honesty paid off.

By the early 1990s, when India opened up its economy, Infosys was ready. The global IT boom lifted the company, and within a decade, Infosys became a global name. Murthy became a billionaire—but he lived modestly, still wore simple clothes, and took no shortcuts.




A Legacy of Humility and Ethics

One of the things I admire most about Narayana Murthy is that even after becoming one of the most powerful businessmen in India, he remained grounded. He was known to take the company bus, eat at the office cafeteria, and sit among his employees.

He didn’t believe in luxury for the sake of showing off. For him, success was not just about numbers—it was about impact. He focused on hiring from small towns, mentoring young leaders, and investing in education.

His wife once recalled how he refused a business bribe that could have made them rich instantly, saying, “When you are young, you may have nothing—but you always have your values.”




Why This Story Matters

Many people think success comes from luck, or big capital. But Murthy’s story proves that character, consistency, and courage can take you further than any privilege.

I’ve often reminded myself of his journey when I faced my own failures—whether it was a startup idea that didn’t work or a job that didn’t pan out. His life taught me that failure is a step, not a stop. And above all, that doing the right thing matters—even when no one is watching.



Key Lessons from Narayana Murthy’s Journey

Start small, think big. You don’t need a fancy start—just a strong vision.

Stick to your values. Integrity might slow you down, but it builds a lasting foundation.

Help others grow. A true leader lifts people, not just profits.

Keep learning. Even after retiring, Murthy reads, mentors, and stays curious.





Final Thoughts

Today, Infosys is worth billions, but more than the money, it’s the mindset Murthy spread that matters: a belief that with hard work, values, and patience, anyone can rise.

If you’re feeling stuck or defeated, remember his story. Your background doesn’t define you—your choices do.